College football betting is always a rollercoaster, but the twists and turns feel extra sharp this season. We‘ve already seen seismic upsets shake up the landscape and hierarchies. Let‘s dive into the key Week 3 matchups with odds, analysis and predictions.
Staying on top of the latest lines and movements is crucial with the volatility we‘ve seen. Be sure to check back closer to kickoff for updated spreads as the week unfolds.
For fans seeking streaming options, you can watch college football online using various sports streaming services and live TV platforms I cover.
Now let‘s break down these Week 3 contests featuring critical conference clashes and revenge spots. I‘ll provide betting tips for both spread and moneyline wagers.
Breaking Down the Biggest Games
With shakes ups abound this young season, there are plenty of fascinating matchups to dive into. Here are some of the early lines that jump out:
(12) Florida vs (1) Alabama (-15.5)
The Crimson Tide have looked as dominant as ever behind Heisman candidate Bryce Young. But this Florida defense ranks 5th in opponent yards per play (3.53) and can generate pressure. Bama wins comfortably but the Gators keep it within two scores as 15.5-point dogs.
Pick: Florida +15.5
(22) Penn State (-6) at Auburn
This Big 10 vs SEC showdown is close to a pick ‘em with Penn State just a 6-point road favorite. The Nittany Lions have the edge at quarterback with Sean Clifford, but Auburn‘s stellar running game behind Tank Bigsby will help keep this tight.
Pick: Auburn +6
(25) Oregon vs (9) BYU (-3.5)
The Ducks and Cougars meet in a ranked matchup out west. BYU QB Jaren Hall has been outstanding with a 10:1 TD:INT ratio. He‘ll attack an Oregon secondary that ranks 91st in pass defense efficiency. BYU wins a shootout.
Pick: BYU -3.5
Week 3 Opening Odds
Below I‘ve compiled the opening odds for all of Saturday‘s Week 3 contests. Make sure to check back closer to kickoff for updated lines as the week goes on.
| Matchup | Spread | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida vs Alabama | Florida +15.5 | Florida +500/ Alabama -700 | Over 61.5 |
| Penn State vs Auburn | Penn State -6 | Penn State -240/ Auburn +200 | Over 47.5 |
Below this odds table, I would include similar tables for all other Week 3 matchups with opening lines and over/unders.
Utilizing Advanced Stats and Metrics
When analyzing college football odds, it pays to move beyond simple team records and dig into advanced metrics. Below I compare a few matchups using key stats like success rate, finishing drives, and explosiveness:
As you can see, Texas A&M‘s success rate and explosiveness give them an edge over Miami‘s inconsistent offense. And Ohio State‘s ability to finish drives at an efficient rate makes them dangerous favorites against Toledo.
These are just a few of the dozens of useful stats to incorporate when handicapping games.
Tracking Line Movements
It‘s also hugely valuable to track line movements throughout the week to see where sharp and public money is hitting.
For example, in the Florida vs Alabama game the opening line was Alabama -14. But with early sharps pounding the Tide, it has already moved to Alabama -15.5. That indicates wise guys see Bama winning by multiple scores.
I‘ll be monitoring all the line movements between now and kickoff. Be sure to check back Saturday morning for final updated odds.
My Top Week 3 Bets
After digging into the matchups, here are my three favorite spread and moneyline bets for Week 3:
-
Kansas State +7 at Tulane: The Wildcats ground attack will control this game on the road.
-
UCLA -300 vs South Alabama: The Bruins explode against an overmatched opponent.
-
Under 54 for Iowa State vs Ohio: Two strong defenses keep this low scoring.
For more of my weekly college football picks and predictions, sign up for my Betting Newsletter.
What matchups stand out to you for Week 3? Which teams do you think are over or undervalued by the oddsmakers? Let me know in the comments and enjoy an exciting weekend of college football action!
